Camaro alternator on GTO engine?
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Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
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Camaro alternator on GTO engine? Alright, I’m doing an LS swap into my ‘81 Corvette. The original engine is out of a 2004 GTO and to get it into the car, I had to remove the alternator (as it conflicted with the engine mount adapters. I bought Dirty Dingo Camaro Low Mount Alternator bracket, as that’s what I was told would fit, but upon trying to install it, I realized it isn’t compatible with my original GTO alternator - it works with the engine, but it needs a Camaro-style alternator.
I’m looking for a Camaro alternator, but I want to make sure I’m getting the right thing. Specifically, I don’t know what the correct amperage would be, as I don’t know if it’s going to mess with the different ECU, nor do I know if the Camaro and GTO use the spacing (I believe that do, but I want to confirm).
So, with that said, does anyone have any alternator recommendations?
I’m looking for a Camaro alternator, but I want to make sure I’m getting the right thing. Specifically, I don’t know what the correct amperage would be, as I don’t know if it’s going to mess with the different ECU, nor do I know if the Camaro and GTO use the spacing (I believe that do, but I want to confirm).
So, with that said, does anyone have any alternator recommendations?
TECH Resident
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Alright, I’m doing an LS swap into my ‘81 Corvette. The original engine is out of a 2004 GTO and to get it into the car, I had to remove the alternator (as it conflicted with the engine mount adapters. I bought Dirty Dingo Camaro Low Mount Alternator bracket, as that’s what I was told would fit, but upon trying to install it, I realized it isn’t compatible with my original GTO alternator - it works with the engine, but it needs a Camaro-style alternator.
I’m looking for a Camaro alternator, but I want to make sure I’m getting the right thing. Specifically, I don’t know what the correct amperage would be, as I don’t know if it’s going to mess with the different ECU, nor do I know if the Camaro and GTO use the spacing (I believe that do, but I want to confirm).
So, with that said, does anyone have any alternator recommendations?
I’m looking for a Camaro alternator, but I want to make sure I’m getting the right thing. Specifically, I don’t know what the correct amperage would be, as I don’t know if it’s going to mess with the different ECU, nor do I know if the Camaro and GTO use the spacing (I believe that do, but I want to confirm).
So, with that said, does anyone have any alternator recommendations?
I believe the stock alternator for a 04’ GTO was 115amps. That size will suffice unless you have added power hungry accessories which could warrant a larger alternator.
If the vette was externally regulated (I’m not certain) you can jump the wires in the plug to allow for the new style alternators that are internally regulated.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
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The stock alternator on the 81’ vette was only 70amps. Not a power hungry platform.
I believe the stock alternator for a 04’ GTO was 115amps. That size will suffice unless you have added power hungry accessories which could warrant a larger alternator.
If the vette was externally regulated (I’m not certain) you can jump the wires in the plug to allow for the new style alternators that are internally regulated.
I believe the stock alternator for a 04’ GTO was 115amps. That size will suffice unless you have added power hungry accessories which could warrant a larger alternator.
If the vette was externally regulated (I’m not certain) you can jump the wires in the plug to allow for the new style alternators that are internally regulated.
Not sure if a 105amp alternator is going to be enough to power the GTO’s engine. Also, from what I’ve seen, Camaro alternators either come in 105amps, or super high output 220amp models. Would there be any concern with me throwing a 220amp alternator if I don’t actually need it? Would I have to upgrade the Corvette’s wiring to handle that?
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
Just an FYI, there is no difference between the LS1 in a Camaro and the LS1 in a GTO; both will have the same electrical requirements for proper operation of various engine management systems and sensors. In this case, any required increase in amperage for one model over the other would have to do with the rest of the car itself (rather than the engine, which is the same) and electrical demands which are specific to that model.
TECH Resident
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The GTO alternator is actually 140amps. The Camaro alternator is 105amps (I did some research yesterday).
Not sure if a 105amp alternator is going to be enough to power the GTO’s engine. Also, from what I’ve seen, Camaro alternators either come in 105amps, or super high output 220amp models. Would there be any concern with me throwing a 220amp alternator if I don’t actually need it? Would I have to upgrade the Corvette’s wiring to handle that?
Not sure if a 105amp alternator is going to be enough to power the GTO’s engine. Also, from what I’ve seen, Camaro alternators either come in 105amps, or super high output 220amp models. Would there be any concern with me throwing a 220amp alternator if I don’t actually need it? Would I have to upgrade the Corvette’s wiring to handle that?
No more one way street for you.
Try helping out some time.
good luck on whatever ur building.
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Staging Lane
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Just an FYI, there is no difference between the LS1 in a Camaro and the LS1 in a GTO; both will have the same electrical requirements for proper operation of various engine management systems and sensors. In this case, any required increase in amperage for one model over the other would have to do with the rest of the car itself (rather than the engine, which is the same) and electrical demands which are specific to that model.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
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To be fair…I’m an idiot, no one wants my help.
I’m usually getting information from a number of different forums and they all blend to together at a certain point. If I didn’t thank anyone, it wasn’t intentional. But point taken.
Teching In
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From: Seattle, WA
For your LS swap, a 105-140 amp Camaro alternator should work fine with the Dirty Dingo bracket. As for spacing, Camaro and GTO alternators are similar, but it's always good to double-check the mounting points. If you’re worried about the ECU, just make sure the alternator matches the output needs of your system.
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
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For your LS swap, a 105-140 amp Camaro alternator should work fine with the Dirty Dingo bracket. As for spacing, Camaro and GTO alternators are similar, but it's always good to double-check the mounting points. If you’re worried about the ECU, just make sure the alternator matches the output needs of your system.
Appreciate the help!
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
You could get a 220, 300, or even 500amp alternator and it wouldn't make any difference (other than physical size and related fitment issues). There is only a concern/need for a wiring upgrade if the vehicle's electrical system is actually able to make use of such a high amperage; otherwise, the alternator won't be putting 220-500amps into a system that can only draw ~100amps.
With that said, the electrical demands of an LS1 engine will be higher than the stock L81 that came in your '81 C3, but anything in the 105-140amp range will work fine for this application unless you plan on a bunch of other high-amperage-demand features (such as a powerful aftermarket audio system, massive/multi-pump fuel system for huge power, tons of electronic interior gadgets added, etc.). If you're going to be drawing a TON of amperage, and fitting an alternator that can provide such amperage, then wiring will need to be equally matched to avoid blowing fuses (best case) or fire risk (worst case).
With that said, the electrical demands of an LS1 engine will be higher than the stock L81 that came in your '81 C3, but anything in the 105-140amp range will work fine for this application unless you plan on a bunch of other high-amperage-demand features (such as a powerful aftermarket audio system, massive/multi-pump fuel system for huge power, tons of electronic interior gadgets added, etc.). If you're going to be drawing a TON of amperage, and fitting an alternator that can provide such amperage, then wiring will need to be equally matched to avoid blowing fuses (best case) or fire risk (worst case).
Thread Starter
Staging Lane
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
You could get a 220, 300, or even 500amp alternator and it wouldn't make any difference (other than physical size and related fitment issues). There is only a concern/need for a wiring upgrade if the vehicle's electrical system is actually able to make use of such a high amperage; otherwise, the alternator won't be putting 220-500amps into a system that can only draw ~100amps.
With that said, the electrical demands of an LS1 engine will be higher than the stock L81 that came in your '81 C3, but anything in the 105-140amp range will work fine for this application unless you plan on a bunch of other high-amperage-demand features (such as a powerful aftermarket audio system, massive/multi-pump fuel system for huge power, tons of electronic interior gadgets added, etc.). If you're going to be drawing a TON of amperage, and fitting an alternator that can provide such amperage, then wiring will need to be equally matched to avoid blowing fuses (best case) or fire risk (worst case).
With that said, the electrical demands of an LS1 engine will be higher than the stock L81 that came in your '81 C3, but anything in the 105-140amp range will work fine for this application unless you plan on a bunch of other high-amperage-demand features (such as a powerful aftermarket audio system, massive/multi-pump fuel system for huge power, tons of electronic interior gadgets added, etc.). If you're going to be drawing a TON of amperage, and fitting an alternator that can provide such amperage, then wiring will need to be equally matched to avoid blowing fuses (best case) or fire risk (worst case).
I don’t think I’ll be drawing a ton of amperage. I’ll be running one internal fuel pump, electric fans, electric gauges, and that’s about it. I’ll likely add a touch screen double din head unit in the future and will have a modest sound system, but those are really all the electrical upgrades I’ll be making, I think. And I can’t see those drawing TOO much electricity.
I think I’m just gonna send it with the original 140amp GTO alternator. I wasn’t able to get it in place, the only issue is that the I can’t connect the rear bracket to the block, as the rear of the alternator sticks out a tad too far. But the bracket has three mounting points already, so I’m thinking I should be alright. If the belt starts to squeal, I’ll replace the alternator with a higher output one that allows me to use the rear bracket.
Thanks for the help, this was super useful information!
rabinaba Hello electric cooling fans draw quite a bit of power. Enough so that factory uses I believe 8 gauge wire to fans and after about 15 years the wire connectors start to become fried as well as the wires.
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Schiller Park, ILL Member: #317
There is no specific age-related period when wiring or connectors will become marginal as overall usage (mileage) and ambient conditions over a given period can vary greatly from one car to the next. For example, the fan wiring and connectors on my '98 are assembly line original; at 27 years old (but only 19k miles and garage storage) they are perfectly fine.